Reply by theoldfart

Not being able to dimension lumber is going to limit your choices. The problem with the chain retailers is that they buy kiln dried stock and the moisture content is highly variable. See if you can find a dealer that has air dried stock. It will behave better, less warp and so on. If you can’t find air dried stock, use the big box store stuff but sticker it carefully and let it acclimate to your shop for a while, then work on it. Less frustration and better results! As far as power tools to mill wood, when you can get a 13” or so planer and a band saw. The money you save on buying rough lumber will offset the cost of the machines in timeGood luck

-- "With every tool obtained, there is another that is needed" DonW ( Kevin )